The Caribbean has always been one of the top retirement destinations for people in or nearing their golden years. With its numerous beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle, there is nothing better than spending and enjoying the rest of your life on an island in the Caribbean.

If you have saved enough to enjoy a comfortable retirement in the Caribbean and you’re ready to apply for Caribbean citizenship, here are some tips you should follow to plan well for this next stage in your life:

1. Know Your Options

Beach aerial view

Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands are just some of the amazing islands in the Caribbean. Because of the numerous options, choosing the best one that you will call your home will definitely be quite a challenge.

You can narrow down your choices by considering how the different countries rank in terms of these important factors:

  • Cost of Living

Although nearly all Caribbean countries offer a cheaper cost of living, you may need some imported items on a regular basis. You need to consider this in your estimated budget.

Factor in the cost of housing as well. Do you plan on renting an apartment or buying a property? Keep in mind that many countries in the Caribbean offer a citizenship by investment program so consider this option as well.

  • Food

Moving to a different country means discovering and trying new foods. Once you move to the Caribbean, you have to be prepared to embrace Caribbean cuisine.

However, it is normal to crave for your comfort foods or to prepare the dishes that you love. As such, include in your research the countries where there are restaurants that serve your other preferred cuisines and dishes. Find out if your favourite ingredients and food staples are available in your shortlisted countries as well.

  • Healthcare

Lastly, it is important that you look after your health to enjoy your retirement. Make sure that the country you are interested to move to has adequate public and private health facilities that are well-equipped and staffed to deal with any health issue you have now and may acquire or develop in the future.

2. Study the Residency Requirements

Some nationalities can take up residence in a Caribbean country without any visa, however most will need to apply for some kind of residency permit. Check if you have this privilege.

In case you need a visa, as already mentioned, many Caribbean countries have a citizenship by investment program, which gives you the right to live in the country for as long as you wish. This is something you can consider to sort out your entry and immigration status in a Caribbean country.

To know if you need a visa, go online. You can also get details regarding the application process and requirements you need to submit on the Internet as well.

3. Search for Your New Home

Even if you are not in the Caribbean yet, you can begin searching for a home you will rent or buy in your chosen country.

You can get help from reputable real estate agents who can find the right home to suit your needs.

When looking for your possible home, make sure you choose one that is big enough to accommodate you and your spouse (if you have one) and all the items you will be bringing with you.

Once you are given a list of possible homes, go online to check the neighborhood. Look into the crime rate, and if the area already has a community of retired expats. Lastly, find out it if has all the amenities you want to have nearby such as a supermarket, community park, pharmacy, hospital, etc.

4. Prepare Your Finances

finance

Calculate how much money you have to live on once you retire in the Caribbean. Include your pension, investment, social security, and other income you may have.

However, don’t withdraw all your money just yet. If you will be moving to a country with a low cost of living where cash transactions are the standard, keeping your current bank accounts and accessing money through an ATM to cover your day-to-day expenses is highly recommended.

Find out if your bank rebates foreign ATM fees. If not, consider opening another account at a different bank.

You will also do well to get a credit card without a foreign transaction fee so that you can use it if you don’t want to use cash, or during an emergency.

5. Work with a Company that Offers Citizenship Application Services

Lastly, you can make your move to the Caribbean easier by getting help from the experts. Find a company that provides assistance in citizenship and residency applications. The best companies will also offer services on real estate investment, advisory services, and even private concierge services.

They will provide the services and assistance you need to make your move and retirement to the Caribbean as smooth and stress-free as possible.

With sufficient research, planning, and other necessary prep work, you will soon be enjoying your retirement in your Caribbean country of choice.